What is the Divi-divi tree?
Caesalpinia coriaria is a small to medium-sized leguminous tree reaching 8–10 metres. Its most striking feature is its permanently asymmetrical form — on Curaçao, where the north-east trade winds blow almost constantly, every Divi-divi tree leans dramatically to the south-west. The tree produces small clusters of pale yellow flowers, followed by distinctive curved, dark brown seed pods.
Why is the Divi-divi Curaçao's national symbol?
The Divi-divi was chosen as Curaçao's national symbol because its wind-shaped form is uniquely Curaçaoan — a living record of the island's climate written into the tree's very structure. It represents resilience and adaptability, and appears frequently in Curaçao's art and imagery.
Growing Caesalpinia in the UK
Caesalpinia coriaria is not commonly available in UK garden centres, but other Caesalpinia species — particularly Caesalpinia gilliesii (Bird of Paradise Bush) — can occasionally be found from specialist suppliers. These can be attempted in very sheltered, sunny spots in the warmest UK gardens, or kept as container plants overwintered in a frost-free greenhouse.
Flor nacional de Curazao
La flor nacional de Curazao es el árbol Divi-divi (Watapana), conocido por su silueta inclinada siempre hacia el suroeste, formada por los vientos alisios constantes de la isla. Es uno de los símbolos más reconocibles de Curazao.